Greatest NHL Players of All Time

No all-time greats fly under the radar like the stick-and-puck guys.

Greatest NHL Players of All Time

Mario Lemieux, center, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.

Take a poll about the most overlooked and underappreciated pro athletes of all, and hockey has our vote. It’s the culture. As the most humble, selfless, blood-and-guts game in sports, pucks are about team first and last. Honestly, when was the last time the NHL aggressively marketed its best players?

The league can’t even name its best players. When a handpicked panel tried just that in its 100th anniversary season, they somehow left out Evgeni Malkin, a surefire Hall of Famer whose name appears on every major career statistical list.

So we’ve the consulted a higher authority (that would be me) to give the greatest players in NHL history their just due. The criteria take into account individual statistics/all-time rankings/honors plus position played, historical significance and team performance.

OK, Boom Boom, shoot da puck.

Note: All statistics are through the 2020-21 season. Incomplete ones are marked with asterisks.

60. Tony Esposito, Goaltender

Experience: 1968-84 (16 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks

Career statistics/82: 39.1 wins, 2.93 goals-against average, .906 save percentage

Point shares/82: 16.5

Stanley Cup championships: None

Bottom Line: Tony Esposito

There was a time when the three-time Vezina Trophy winner was as good as it got in the regular season, as evidenced by his 16 shutouts as a rookie. Then, the playoffs started.

The absence of a Stanley Cup championship on his resume cost "Tony O" a few spots on the list, and brother Phil deserves some of the blame for it.

In Their Own Words: Tony Esposito

"I had a great time, and I always took care of my body. That's the thing some players don't. For a goalie, there's no reason he can't play until he's 40 if he takes care of himself. The reflexes are still there." —Tony Esposito

59. Tiny Thompson, Goaltender

Experience: 1928-40 (12 seasons)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings

Career statistics/82: 42.1 W, 2.12 GAA, N/A

Point shares/82: 15.9

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1929)

Bottom Line: Tiny Thompson

The four-time Vezina Trophy winner was the last line of defense on the dominant B’s teams of the 1930s decade.

He was the league leader in victories five times, goals-against average four times and shutouts three times. There was no better glove hand of his time.

Tiny fun fact: His nickname came in jest as a youth. At 5-foot-10, he was one of the bigger goalies of his era.

In Their Own Words: Tiny Thompson

"Thompson's pads have been repaired so often that there’s nothing left of the original set but the stuffing." —AP article on Tiny Thompson

58. George Hainsworth, Goaltender

Experience: 1926-36 (10 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career statistics/82: 43.4 W, 1.93 GAA, N/A

Point shares/82: 16.6

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1930, 1931)

Bottom Line: George Hainsworth

Unless the 4-by-6 becomes 2-by-3, his 0.92 goals-against average and 22 shutouts in the 1928-29 season will never be surpassed.

The three-time Vezina Trophy recipient ranks second in GAA (1.93) on the all-time list.

In Their Own Words: George Hainsworth

"We suppose that one of the reasons hockey is such a great sport is that it demands the basic elements of man’s struggle for existence: courage, ability, and intelligence. These were the qualities which made George Hainsworth a star." —Saskatchewan Star-Phoenix obituary for George Hainsworth

57. Bobby Clarke, Center

Experience: 1969-1984 (15 seasons)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers

Career statistics/82: 25.7 goals, 61.1 assists, 86.7 points, 36.3 plus-minus rating

Point shares/82: 7.6

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1974, 1975)

Bottom Line: Bobby Clarke

This three-time league Most Valuable Player was one of the all-time great leaders whose value went beyond mere numbers.

The captain was the rare superstar grinder — and he had the jack-o'-lantern grin to prove it.

In Their Own Words: Bobby Clarke

"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." —Bobby Clarke

56. Bryan Trottier, Center

Experience: 1975-94 (18 seasons)

Teams: New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins

Career statistics: 33.6 G, 57.8 A, 91.4 PTS, 28.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 7.7

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1991, 1992)

Bottom Line: Bryan Trottier

The captain of the Islanders' dynasty was a winner in every way. In fact, he did so many things well, his ability to put the biscuit in the basket was overlooked at times.

"Trots" ranks 21st in points per game (1.11) and 25th in shooting percentage (.184) overall.

And he’s one of only eight players with multi five-goal games.

In Their Own Words: Bryan Trottier

"Kid, I’m from the future. I’m you, 50 years from now. You’re looking at me like, 'You? The guy with the mustache and all the scars? What the heck happened to me?'" —Bryan Trottier

55. Steve Yzerman, Center

Experience: 1983-2006 (22 seasons)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings

Career statistics: 37.5 G, 57.6 A, 95.1 PTS, 10.0 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.0

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1997, 1998, 2002)

Bottom Line: Steve Yzerman

Rarely has an 18-year-old rookie entered the league and dominated so many grown men.

I’ll never forget the play at Chicago Stadium early in his career, when Steve Yzerman carried the puck into the attack zone, stickhandled around/through three defenders, then roofed a shot over the fallen goalie.

Yet that was almost routine compared his 55-foot jaw-dropper that decided Game 7 of the 1996 Western Conference semis.

In Their Own Words: Steve Yzerman

"I wore No. 19 because of Bryan Trottier. I liked the overall aspect of his game. I liked the way he conducted himself on the ice. He was a quiet guy. He played really hard, just a good all-around, prototypical center man who could do everything." —Steve Yzerman

54. Martin Brodeur, Goaltender

Experience: 1991-2015 (22 seasons)

Teams: New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues

Career statistics/82: 44.8 W, 2.24 GAA, .912 SV%

Point shares/82: 13.4

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1995, 2000, 2003)

Bottom Line: Martin Brodeur

Would you believe that some metrics say he’s ranked too high here?

While his 691 regular-season victories and 125 shutouts are the most in league history, save percentage is a better gauge of individual performance.

Take into account that the lucky Devil spent much of his career in the dead puck era, plus the ample support he received in an ultra-conservate system, and his advanced numbers are closer to very good than all-time great.

In Their Own Words: Martin Brodeur

"Do everything you need to do to keep the passion alive and never forget that it is a privilege to do what you love." —Martin Brodeur

53. Bill Cowley, Center

Experience: 1934-47 (13 seasons)

Teams: St. Louis Eagles, Boston Bruins

Career statistics: 29.1 G, 52.9 A, 82.0 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 8.5

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1939, 1941)

Bottom Line: Bill Cowley

An exceptional skater-stickhandler with the vision and touch to match, this three-time league assists leader and two-time Hart Trophy recipient blazed the trail for setup men in the middle.

He’s the only Hall of Famer to have spent time with the Eagles, the one-season wonders formerly known as the Ottawa Senators.

"Cowboy" fun fact: He assisted on all three of Mel "Sudden Death" Hill’s overtime goals in the 1939 semis en route to the Stanley Cup title.

In Their Own Words: Bill Cowley

"I’m going to win the championship, but if I don’t win it, then you can quote me as saying that the winner will be a guy named Roy Conacher. And he and another fellow named Eddie Wiseman are two reasons why I think I am going to do it again. Those fellows can plug goals from anywhere. All you have to do is feed them the puck and bang! She’s in. So it makes things kind of easy for me, doesn’t it?" —Bill Cowley

52. Teemu Selanne, Right Wing

Experience: 1992-2014 (21 seasons)

Teams: Winnipeg Jets, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim/Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche

Career statistics: 38.7 G, 43.7 A, 82.3 PTS, 5.4 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.7

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (2007)

Bottom Line: Teemu Selanne

The "Finnish Flash" reminded me of Guy Lafleur — smooth, fast and lethal. Oh, and he had some of the best hockey hair ever.

Not only do his 684 goals rank 11th on the all-time list, but like "The Flower," he’s on the short list of most fun players to watch as well.

Can’t think of many who were this popular among fans and teammates alike.

In Their Own Words: Teemu Selanne

"When I was a kid, I remember playing hockey outside and whenever you did, you thought about playing for Finland vs. Sweden. Thats just the way it was." —Teemu Selanne

51. Bernie Geoffrion, Right Wing

Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion kisses the puck with which he scored his 50th goal in 1961. He became only the second player to score 50 goals in a season.

Experience: 1950-64, 1966-68 (16 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 36.5 G, 39.8 A, 76.3 PTS, *7.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.2

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

Bottom Line: Bernie Geoffrion

Few players left such an indelible mark than the first to reach the magic 50-goal mark. Bernie Geoffrion also was a pioneer of the slap shot, which convinced goalies to don face masks before long.

"Boom Boom" fun fact: He was so named after the cannon sound his trademark blasts made upon contact with the boards in his junior hockey days.

In Their Own Words: Bernie Geoffrion

"There was a sportswriter named Charlie Boire who used to work for the Montreal Star. I was always practicing my slapshot. I was at the Forum after a practice, and Charlie came up to me and said, 'Do you mind if I call you 'Boom Boom'? I said, 'I don't care.'" —Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion

50. Dit Clapper, Right Wing-Defenseman

Experience: 1927-47 (20 seasons)

Teams: Boston Bruins

Career statistics: 22.5 G, 24.4 A, 46.8 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 9.3

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1929, 1939, 1941)

Bottom Line: Dit Clapper

This trendsetter was one of the first true power forwards and played on the first line with a nickname ("The Dynamite Line").

He also was the first to survive 20 seasons and one of two players to be an All-Star at multiple positions.

Dit fun fact: He became part of "Slap Shot" lore when coach Reggie Dunlop famously said to his Charlestown Chiefs players, "Old-time hockey — Toe Blake, Dit Clapper, Eddie Shore. Those guys were the greats!"

In Their Own Words: Dit Clapper

"[Dit Clapper] was very quiet and tall in those days as a player. He reminds me a lot of Jean Beliveau, a statesmen and always in good shape. He was as tough a player as there was in the league, nobody messed with him, he had a long fuse and played calm on the ice, never got rattled." —Scotty Bowman

49. Frank Mahovlich, Left Wing

Experience: 1956-74 (18 seasons)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 37.0 G, 39.6 A, 76.6 PTS, *20.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 8.4

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1971, 1973)

Bottom Line: Frank Mahovlich

He was known as "The Big M," a big man with a big shot. In Toronto, they also referred to Frank Mahovlich as "Moses" in expectation of a Stanley Cup, which he helped deliver four times.

While he never did part Lake Ontario, the man who scored 533 career goals was a sight to behold when he swooped in from the left side nonetheless.

In Their Own Words: Frank Mahovlich

"If someone gave the Russians a football, they'd win the Super Bowl in two years." —Frank Mahovlich

48. Chris Pronger, Defenseman

Experience: 1993-2012 (18 seasons)

Teams: Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Philadelphia Flyers

Career statistics/82: 11.0 G, 38.0 A, 49.0 PTS, 12.9 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.8

Stanley Cup championships: 2007

Bottom Line: Chris Pronger

He began his career as a 19-year-old hatchet man, finished it as a double-figures goal scorer.

In between, he became the second defenseman to win the Norris and Hart Awards in the same season.

The other: Bobby Orr.

In Their Own Words: Chris Pronger

"I've got to live my life. Bad things happen. I can't be sitting here worrying about it." —Chris Pronger

47. Pierre Pilote, Defenseman

Experience: 1955-69 (14 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career statistics: 7.4 G, 38.5 A, 45.9 PTS, *23.2 +/-

Point shares/82: 8.6

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1961)

Bottom Line: Pierre Pilote

The longtime captain is the answer to this bit of trivia: Who was last the multiple Norris Award winner before Bobby Orr claimed it for his own?

The frequent puck-rusher helped bridge the gap between Doug Harvey and No. 4 on the back line.

Pierre Pilote wasn’t allergic to contact, either.

In Their Own Words: Pierre Pilote

"Well, that story gets bigger as the days go by. It was in my second or third year. I first went after the younger brother, Henri ... and I guess his brother Maurice wanted to defend him. Maybe he tripped… we’ll say he tripped." —Pierre Pilote on knocking out both of the Richard brothers in a one fight

46. Scott Niedermayer, Defenseman

Experience: 1991-2015 (22 seasons)

Teams: New Jersey Devils, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim/Anaheim Ducks

Career statistics: 11.2 G, 36.9 A, 48.0 PTS, 10.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.2

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1995, 2000, 2003, 2007)

Bottom Line: Scott Niedermayer

While the Devils were plainer than vanilla in their heyday, here’s the rare exception. He was the strawberry sundae with sprinkles on top.

The one-time Norris and Smythe Trophy winner had the speed and instincts to join the rush or even lead it on occasion.

Niedermayer ... alive!

In Their Own Words: Scott Niedermayer

"(There's) nothing better than playing in a rink where the fans are loud and making a bunch of noise. It makes it a more exciting, more intense game, one you like to be part of." —Scott Niedermayer

45. Brett Hull, Right Wing

Experience: 1986-2006 (19 seasons)

Teams: Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes

Career statistics/82: 47.9 G, 42.0 A, 89.9 PTS, 1.5 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.0

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1999, 2002)

Bottom Line: Brett Hull

In the late '80s-early '90s, the "Golden Brett" was the Barry Bonds of pucks. Or was Bonds the Golden Brett of baseball?

Either way, the king of the one-timer scored 228 goals ... in a span of three seasons. That’s sick.

Um, why didn’t opponents intentionally walk him? His 741 career goals rank behind only Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and Jaromir Jagr on the all-time list.

In Their Own Words: Brett Hull

"I was kind of smart enough when I was young, 14 or 15 years old, to realize that if you're ever going to do anything and step out of the shadow of your own dad — not only in hockey, but in life itself — you're going to have to learn you're Brett and not 'Bobby's son.'" —Brett Hull

44. Chris Chelios, Defenseman

Experience: 1983-2010 (26 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings

Career statistics: 9.2 G, 37.9 A, 47.1 PTS, 17.4 +/-

Point shares/82: 8.4

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1986, 2002, 2008)

Bottom Line: Chris Chelios

"Chelly" played forever, and few defensemen accomplished more — seven All-Star Games, three Norris Trophies, three Stanley titles.

The emotional D-man produced seven seasons of 60 points or more and was equally effective at the other end.

In Their Own Words: Chris Chelios

"It takes brains. It's not like a forward, where you can get away with scoring and not play defense. On defense, you have to be thinking." —Chris Chelios

43. Joe Sakic, Center

Experience: 1988-2009 (20 seasons)

Teams: Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche

Career statistics/82: 37.2 G, 60.5 A, 97.7 PTS, 1.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.0

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1996, 2001)

Bottom Line: Joe Sakic

This team captain set the tone by example — he excelled at equal strength as well as with the power-play and penalty-kill units.

He ranks ninth in points, 13th in assists and 16th in goals per game on the all-time list.

In Their Own Words: Joe Sakic

"I always said to myself that the minute I thought I'd slipped, and not be the player I wanted to be, it was time for me to go." —Joe Sakic

42. Brad Park, Defenseman

Experience: 1968-85 (17 seasons)

Teams: New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wing

Career statistics/82: 15.7 G, 50.3 A, 66.0 PTS, 26.7 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.6

Stanley Cup championships: None

Bottom Line: Brad Park

His biggest mistake was that he played in the Bobby Orr era. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so taken for granted even in New York early in his career.

He was was the Norris Trophy runner-up no fewer than eight times, half of them to you-know-who.

In Their Own Words: Brad Park

"It all started for real when I was 6, playing against my brother, Ron, who was two years older. He'd been playing organized hockey and loved it. My father was very enthused about us playing and built a makeshift rink on our front lawn. When Ron wasn't involved with one of his league games, he'd play with me on our own little rink in front of the house. He would skate around a big tree, right in the middle of the 'rink,' and then take a rush at me." —Brad Park

41. Charlie Conacher, Right Wing

Experience: 1943-50 (seven seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 44.5 G, 2.36 A, N/A

Point shares/82: 11.8

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1932)

Bottom Line: Charlie Conacher

The most celebrated of the famous Conacher family was known as "The Big Bomber" for his 6-foot-1 size and howitzer of a shot. In a span of six seasons (1930-36), he led the league in goals five times.

Popular? The one-time Toronto heartthrob finished 11th in a local poll of the top 100 Maple Leafs players of all time, which was taken 75 years after his final game.

In Their Own Words: Charlie Conacher

"Growing up, we couldn't afford a tube of toothpaste. We were as poor as church mice." —Charlie Conacher

40. Aurele Joliat, Left Wing

Experience: 1922-38 (16 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 33.7 G, 24.3 A, 58.0 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 11.0

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1924, 1925, 1930. 1931)

Bottom Line: Aurele Joliat

He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one-time league Most Valuable Player, one of the first great snipers in the league. Only Nels Stewart and Howie Morenz had more career goals at the time of his retirement.

Yet while Aurele Joliat's No. 4 was co-retired by the franchise, only that of Jean Beliveau can be seen in the Bell Centre raftors.

Tell me why, kids.

In Their Own Words: Aurele Joliat

"Aurele Joliat scored four of the five goals, largely on his own individual prowess, and generally scintillated on the ice in a manner that drew round after round of applause and cheers from a highly-entertained gathering of hockey fans." —The Montreal Gazette

39. Bill Cook, Right Wing

Experience: 1926-37 (11 seasons)

Teams: New York Rangers

Career statistics: 39.4 G, 23.8 A, 63.2 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 12.5

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1928, 1933)

Bottom Line: Bill Cook

The original Blueshirt captain carried his team to four Stanley Cup Final series. He led the league in goals and points on two occasions.

That Gordie Howe, Guy Lafleur and Teemu Selanne are a few of the right wingers on his similarity scores list puts him in pretty good company.

In Their Own Words: Bill Cook

"Bill was the finest all-round player in Ranger history. And he's my choice as the best right winger hockey ever knew — despite the fact that others disagree and give their votes to Rocket Richard or Gordie Howe. I say Cook topped them both." —Frank Boucher

38. Brian Leetch, Defenseman

Experience: 1987-2006 (18 seasons)

Teams: New York Rangers, Boston Bruins

Career statistics/82: 16.8 G, 53.1 A, 70.0 PTS, 1.7 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.0

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1993)

Bottom Line: Brian Leetch

He was a five-time All-Star and two-time Norris Trophy winner, but his greatest accomplishment was this: He was the backbone of the Stanley Cup championship team that put that worn-out 1940 thing to rest.

On behalf of everyone except the Vancouver Canucks, we say thank you very much.

In Their Own Words: Brian Leetch

"I didn't want to leave (the New York Rangers). I played my first game as an 18-year-old here and I got traded on my 36th birthday." —Brian Leetch

37. Peter Forsberg, Center

Experience: 1994-2008, 2010-11 (13 seasons)

Teams: Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators

Career statistics/82: 28.8 G, 73.7 A, 102.5 PTS, 27.6 +/-

Point shares/82: 11.3

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1996, 2001)

Bottom Line: Peter Forsberg

If not for a ruptured spleen, this two-way terror would have put up even more monstrous numbers. He returned one year later to have his best season ever, but we would never see that player again.

Nonetheless, he ranks fourth in assists and eighth in points per game in league history.

"Peter Puck" fun fact: He was known as "Foppa" in his native Sweden, "Floppa" in most NHL cities.

In Their Own Words: Peter Forsberg

"I wouldn't accept losing as a team, wouldn't accept losing as my team. It's like a war every practice. I think it helped us a lot." —Peter Forsberg

36. Bill Durnan, Goaltender

Experience: 1943-50 (7 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics: 44.5 W, 2.36 GAA, N/A

Point shares/82: 19.4

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1944, 1946)

Bottom Line: Bill Durnan

He was the original Ken Dryden — a future Hall of Fame netminder who achieved more in a few short years than all but a few would in a career.

In seven seasons, he led the league in point shares six times, goals-against average six times, victories four times and shutouts twice.

He entered the league in the war years, but his brilliance extended well beyond that.

In Their Own Words: Bill Durnan

"The Vezina got to be a matter of personal pride with me after I’d won it a couple of times. But the thing was always hanging over my head. Every time I blew a soft shot I suffered, and then I’d worry about blowing another soft shot and work twice as hard to avoid it." —Bill Durnan

35. Al MacInnis, Defenseman

Experience: 1981-2004 (23 seasons)

Teams: Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues

Career statistics/82: 19.7 G, 54.1 A, 73.8 PTS, 21.5 +/-

Point shares/82: 11.3

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1989)

Bottom Line: Al MacInnis

Among defensemen, only Ray Bouque and Paul Coffey had more career goals, assists and points, but none could fire a puck quite like Al MacInnis.

His trademark slapper was once clocked at 100.4 miles per hour in the Hardest Shot competition, which he won a record seven times.

Oh, and this was accomplished with a wooden stick that he used throughout his career.

In Their Own Words: Al MacInnis

"I wish I could skate one more shift, take one more slap shot from the blue line, for the best fans of hockey. But knowing my No. 2 will forever have a home here is more than I could ask." —Al MacInnis

34. Larry Robinson, Defenseman

Experience: 1972-92 (20 seasons)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings

Career statistics/82: 12.3 G, 44.4 A, 56.8 PTS, 42.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.0

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1986)

Bottom Line: Larry Robinson

Larry Robinsoon — Larry Robinson mixes it up with Philadelphia Flyers tough guy Dave Schultz in 1974.

There was a time in the 1970s when the safest answer to "Which team won the Stanley Cup?" was "Which team had Larry Robinson on its roster?"

Only two defensemen hoisted it more times — Jean-Guy Talbot and Serge Savard.

"Big Bird" combined size, physicality and leadership like few ever at the position.

In Their Own Words: Larry Robinson

"Was Wayne Gretzky sick?" —Larry Robinson after winning NHL Player of the Week

33. King Clancy, Defenseman

Experience: 1921-37 (16 seasons)

Teams: Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career statistics/82: 19.0 G, 20.8 A, 39.8 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 14.4

Stanley Cups: 3 (1923, 1927, 1932)

Bottom Line: King Clancy

This 5-foot-7, 170-pound bulldog was one of the first lethal goal scorers on the back line.

Had the Norris Trophy been around, he would have as many as three on his resume.

His similarity scores compare favorably to those of Al MacInnis and Larry Robinson in the modern era.

In Their Own Words: King Clancy

"The first memory I have of playing hockey was when I was a little gaffer growing up in Ottawa. I played for the fun of it, and I really enjoyed myself going out on those cold winter days, walking four or five miles to the river just to play shinny with the boys." —King Clancy

32. Paul Coffey, Defenseman

Experience: 21 seasons (1980-2001)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Panthers, Boston Bruins

Career statistics/82: 23.0 G, 66.1 A, 89.1 PTS, 17.3 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.8

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1991)

Bottom Line: Paul Coffey, Defenseman

While Wayne Gretzky and boys up front got most of the goals and hype, it was Paul Coffey who triggered the Oilers' attack at the back end.

The three-time Norris Trophy winner was the best skater/puck mover not named Bobby Orr at the position.

In Their Own Words: Paul Coffey

"People ask me all the time now, what's the most memorable moment of your career? It's always the championships. The first goal, the 50th — it doesn't matter. It's always the championships." —Paul Coffey

31. Nels Stewart, Center

Experience: 15 seasons (1925-1940)

Teams: Montreal Maroons, Boston Bruins, New York Americans

Career statistics/82: 40.9 G, 24.1 A, 65.0 PTS, N/A

Point shares/82: 12.8

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1926)

Bottom Line: Nels Stewart

This 6-foot-1, 195-pounder was the Phil Esposito of his time, one of the first power forwards and a premier lamp-lighter.

His rookie season was among the best of any era — 34 goals in 36 game and the first of his two Hart Trophies.

In Their Own Words: Nels Stewart

"I remember we had an old-timers game for charity, and I was playing with Nels. The puck came to Nels from behind the net, and he was out in front — where he usually was when he was playing in the National Hockey League. And what he did to that goalkeeper was just shameful, it made him look so silly. He just turned him inside out … it was a masterpiece, something I’d never seen before." —Ted "Teeder" Kennedy

30. Glenn Hall, Goaltender

Experience: 18 seasons (1952-53, 1954-71)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues

Career statistics/82 games: 36.8 W, 2.50 GAA, .918* SV%

Point shares/82: 10.8

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1961)

Bottom Line: Glenn Hall

The Blackhawks were chronic underachievers for much of the 1960s, but don’t blame their man between the pipes.

If not for Glenn Hall and his Smythe Trophy-worthy performance in the 1961 Stanley Cup Final, they would have been 0-for-the-decade.

Eight years later, he won the award with an overmatched Blues team that got swept in the series. Besides, anyone named "Mr. Goalie" has to be on this list.

In Their Own Words: Glenn Hall

"I often look at the guys who can whistle before a game and shake my head. You'd think they didn't have a care in the world. Me? I'm just plain miserable before every game." —Glenn Hall

29. Bernie Parent, Goaltender

Experience: 14 seasons (1965-79)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers

Career statistics/82: 36.5 W, 2.55 GAA, .915 SV%

Point shares/82: 16.8

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1974, 1975)

Bottom Line: Bernie Parent

The Flyers would have zero Stanley Cup banners without Bernie Parent.

He was one of three players (and the only goalie) to capture the Conn Smythe Award in consecutive seasons.

The others: Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux.

In Their Own Words: Bernie Parent

Bernard "Bernie" Parent — Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent.

"You don't have to be crazy to be a goalie, but it helps." —Bernie Parent

28. Stan Mikita, Center

Experience: 22 seasons (1958-80)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks

Career statistics/82: 31.8 goals, 54.4 assists, 86.2 points, 19.4 plus-minus rating

Point shares/82: 8.4

Stanley Cup championship: 1 (1961)

Bottom Line: Stan Mikita

The four-time league points leader made one of the most remarkable transitions ever —from hatchet man to Lady Byng Trophy winner in two short years.

Along with teammate Bobby Hull, the crafty pivot pioneered the curved stick blade much to the horror of goalies everywhere.

In Their Own Words: Stan Mikita

"There are rough players and there are dirty players. I'm rough and dirty." —Stan Mikita

27. Mike Bossy, Right Wing

Experience: 10 seasons (1977-87)

Teams: New York Islanders

Career statistics/82: 62.5 G, 60.3 A, 122.8 PTS, 41.4 +/-

Point shares/82: 12.1

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983)

Bottom Line: Mike Bossy

Confident? In his first contract talks, the kid assured Islanders general manager Bill Torrey that he would score 50 goals in his debut season.

Then the rookie went out and scored 53 of them. That’s all Boss could do — score goals and win Stanley Cups.

In fact, no player lit the lamp (0.76 per game) at a higher rate in league history. Only a back problem that shortened his career prevents a higher score here.

In Their Own Words: Mike Bossy

"I'm always extremely honored to be applauded the way I am when I get back (to New York) and have any kind of liaison with the fans. I'm humbled by it." —Mike Bossy

26. Denis Potvin, Defenseman

Experience: 15 seasons (1973-88)

Teams: New York Islanders

Career statistics/82: 24.0 G, 57.4 A, 81.4 PTS, 35.3 +/-

Point shares/82: 12.4

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983)

Bottom Line: Denis Potvin

There was some truth in those "Potvin Sucks" chants at old Madison Square Garden, you know.

The three-time Norris Trophy winner could be loud, whiny, pompous and worse. In his prime, though, few defensemen were better at both ends.

If not for health issues in the prime of his career, he would have been greater yet.

In Their Own Words: Denis Potvin

"There's always been cheaters in every sport. The fans want to know. And it is illegal. I think it's a very important issue to deal with, and it has to be done." —Denis Potvin

25. Evgeni Malkin, Center

Experience: 15 seasons (2006-present)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins

Career statistics/82: 37.6 G, 58.8 A, 96.4 PTS, 6.4 +/-

Point shares/82: 11.7

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (2009, 2015, 2016)

Bottom Line: Evgeni Malkin

"Geno" ranks 14th in points per game (1.18) in league history.

And he’s among only a dozen players to be the regular -eason and postseason Most Valuable Player in their careers.

Anyone who doesn’t have the three-time Stanley Cup champion among the top 100 players ever deserves a lifetime suspension.

In Their Own Words: Evgeni Malkin

"(Sidney Crosby) is the best player in the NHL. I’m always saying that, and I never change my thinking." —Evgeni Malkin

24. Ray Bourque, Defenseman

Experience: 22 seasons (1979-2001)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche

Career statistics/82: 20.9 G, 59.5 A, 80.3 PTS, 26.8 +/-

Point shares/82: 12.3

Stanley Cup championship: 1( 2001)

Bottom Line: Ray Bourque

The guy had everything except a nickname.

His only Stanley Cup victory may be tainted — it came in his final season after the Bruins' lifer bailed on Boston — but that didn’t diminish his status as the best player at his position for nearly two full decades.

His five Norris Trophies rank behind only Bobby Orr, Doug Harvey, and Niklas Lidstrom in league history.

In Their Own Words: Ray Bourque

"If I can be half the hockey player that Bobby Orr was, I'll be happy." —Ray Bourque

23. Terry Sawchuk, Goaltender

Experience: 21 seasons (1949-70)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 37.6 W, 2.73 GAA, .904* SV%

Point shares/82: 15.1

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1952, 1954, 1955, 1967)

Bottom Line: Terry Sawchuk

The four-time Vezina Trophy winner still ranks second in shutouts (103) and seventh in victories (445) on the all-time list.

If the Smythe Award had been available, he would have at least two of those as well.

His 1952 postseason set the standard at the position — eight games, eight wins, five goals allowed, four shutouts.

In Their Own Words: Terry Sawchuk

"The day they put me in the net, I had a good game. I've stayed there ever since." —Terry Sawchuk

22. Patrick Roy, Goaltender

Experience: 19 seasons (1984-2003)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche

Career statistics/82: 43.9 W, 2.54 GAA, .910 SV%

Point shares/82: 15.8

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1986, 1993, 1996, 2001)

Bottom Line: Patrick Roy

Three times Patty Wah was chosen the best player with the best team in the postseason.

And the three-time Smythe and Vezina Trophy winner won both awards with different teams.

Can you say "money player," girls and boys?

In Their Own Words: Patrick Roy

"I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) says because my ears are blocked with my two Stanley Cup rings." —Patrick Roy

21. Mark Messier, Center

Experience: 25 seasons (1979-2004)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 32.4 G, 55.7 A, 88.1 PTS, 9.9 +/-

Point shares/82: 7.5

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1994)

Bottom Line: Mark Messier

Stats-wise, "The Moose" was as much about volume as quality — only Gordie Howe played more games. Yet Mark Messier's name appears on every short list of greatest leaders ever, and what number do you place on that?

While ex-teammate Wayne Gretzky failed to win another Stanley Cup after he left E-Town, Mess did the unthinkable in New York.

That major miracle alone gets him a spot here.

In Their Own Words: Mark Messier

"The only pressure I'm under is the pressure I've put on myself." —Mark Messier

20. Red Kelly, Defenseman/Center

Experience: 20 seasons (1947-67)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs

Career statistics/82: 17.5 G, 33.8 A, 51.3 PTS, 7.0* +/-

Point shares/82: 9.1

Stanley Cup championships: 8 (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967)

Bottom Line: Red Kelly

The first Norris Trophy winner was part of more Stanley Cup teams (eight) than any player not with the Montreal Canadiens and is among the greatest (and most underrated) champions ever.

In his prime, the Red Wings' defenseman was a perennial first-team All-Star candidate.

Later in his career, the Maple Leaf made a seamless transition to center with four more Stanley Cup teams.

Red Kelly even won a seat in the Canadian Parliament, for goshsakes.

In Their Own Words: Red Kelly

"Twelve and a half years in Detroit and then they trade you. I thought I was out of hockey. I retired. I thought my hockey days were over. When I started playing in the league, I thought, 'If you have a ten-year career, that's a long career.' I played twelve and a half years and thought, 'That's it. Now I gotta earn a living.' I started to work the next day with a tool company. But hockey was my whole life. I loved hockey ever since I was knee high to a grasshopper." —Red Kelly

19. Ken Dryden, Goaltender

Experience: 8 seasons (1970-79)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics/82: 53.3 W, 2.24 GAA, .922 SV%

Point shares/82: 20.4

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)

Bottom Line: Ken Dryden

Maybe it was because he didn’t have the typical jock mentality. Maybe it was because he held out for an entire season to pursue a law degree. Or maybe it was because there was so much talent around him.

Whatever the reason "The Giraffe" tends to be shortchanged on these lists.

But it’s impossible to ignore that, in seven seasons, Ken Dryden won five Vezina Trophies and four Stanley Cups and posted a ginormous .922 save percentage, a full .029 better than the league average at the time.

In Their Own Words: Ken Dryden

"I feel nothing, I hear nothing, my eyes watch the puck, my body moves—like a goalie moves, like I move; I don’t tell it to move or how to move or where, I don’t know it’s moving, I don’t feel it move—yet it moves. And when my eyes watch the puck, I see things I don’t know I’m seeing. I see Larson and Nedomansky as they come on the ice, I see them away from the puck unthreatening and uninvolved. I see something in the way a shooter holds his stick, in the way his body angles and turns, in the way he’s being checked, in what he’s done before that tells me what he’ll do—and my body moves. I let it move. I trust it and the unconscious mind that moves it." —Ken Dryden

18. Howie Morenz, Center

Experience: 14 seasons (1923-37)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 40.4 G, 30.6 A, 71.0 PTS, NA +/-

Point shares/82: 15.0

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1924, 1925, 1930, 1931)

Bottom Line: Howie Morenz

The three-time league MVP was the first true superstar of pro hockey. His end-to-end rushes were the stuff of legends.

When the pint-sized center suddenly passed away shortly after a shattered leg threatened to end his career, he was the top scorer in league history.

The Canadian Press selected him as the best hockey player in the first half of the 20th century.

In Their Own Words: Howie Morenz

"There was something missing inside when I was away the last two seasons. I got it back when I came back with the Canadiens. I'm giving the fans everything I've got. The end may be in sight but the heart is still sound." —Howie Morenz

17. Alex Ovechkin, Right Wing

Experience: 16 seasons (2005-present)

Teams: Washington Capitals

Career statistics/82: 49.8 G, 41.8 A, 91.6 PTS, 7.1 +/-

Point shares/82: 12.4

Stanley Cup championship: 1 (2018)

Bottom Line: Alex Ovechkin

Ovie is the most dominant goal scorer of his time, and a recent Stanley Cup victory fills the only obvious void on his resume.

At 33, there’s still time for him to climb the ladder.

In Their Own Words: Alex Ovechkin

"Everybody has to have his own style, his own game. Everybody has to be himself. I'm listening to nobody. I have my own mind, my own heart." —Alex Ovechkin

16. Guy Lafleur, Right Wing

Experience: 17 seasons (1971-85, 1988-91)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Quebec Nordiques

Career statistics/82: 40.8 G, 57.7 A, 98.5 PTS, 32.5 +/-

Point shares/82: 9.5

Stanley Cup championships: 5 (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999)

Bottom Line: Guy Lafleur

The three-time Ross Trophy winner was 21st in goals, 23rd in assists and 11th in points per game in league history.

For sheer entertainment value, "The Flower" in full bloom had no equal in his day.

The guy was smoother than a double chocolate-peanut butter milkshake.

In Their Own Words: Guy Lafleur

"Being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, that was the greatest moment in my career. And stealing the Stanley Cup in 1978 and bringing it back to my hometown." —Guy Lafleur

15. Dominik Hasek, Goaltender

Experience: 16 seasons (1990-2008)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators

Career statistics/82: 43.4 W, 2.20 GAA, .922 SV%

Point shares/82: 17.5

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (2002, 2008)

Bottom Line: Dominik Hasek

For athletic talent, the Gumby-like goalie was the best ever at his position.

In regular-season and postseason history, he’s the only one to rank among the top 11 in goals-against average (seventh and first, respectively) and save percentage (11th, 10th).

Need we say more?

In Their Own Words: Dominik Hasek

"I am not afraid to stop the puck with my head. I try to do it sometimes even in practice; not everyday but once in a while, I say to my teammates, shoot me in my head and I'll try to stop the puck. I am not afraid at all of the puck, so sometimes, if the shot comes at my head, it's an easier save to make with your head. Maybe the people think a different way, but for me, I do it with my head." —Dominik Hasek

14. Doug Harvey, Defenseman

Experience: 19 seasons (1947-64, 1966-68)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues

Career statistics/82: 6.5 G, 33.3 A, 39.8 PTS, 10.9* +/-

Point shares/82: 9.1

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

Bottom Line: Doug Harvey

The backbone of the Canadiens' dynasty won the Norris Award no fewer than seven times in its first nine years of existence.

He also quarterbacked a power-play unit that was so drop-dead efficient, the rule makers decided to limit teams to one goal per minor penalty.

As a two-way defenseman and team leader, there was none better in his time.

In Their Own Words: Doug Harvey

"My mom beat us until she started breaking clothes hangers. Wooden clothes hangers! Once we started laughing back at her, then your spankings were through. That's the way I was raised. So, I got to be about 13 years of age when finally she quit spanking on me. But I think that it was a great way to be raised." —Doug Harvey

13. Jacques Plante, Goaltender

Experience: 19 seasons (1952-65, 1968-73, 1974-75)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins

Career statistics/82: 42.8 W, 2.38 GAA, .920* SV%

Point shares/82: 17.0

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

Bottom Line: Jaccques Plante

"Jake the Snake" wasn’t the most talented goaltender of all time, not that he was far from it.

He was the one who had the biggest impact on the position, the first to permanently wear a facemask, handle the puck, roam behind the net and direct teammates on the ice among other innovations.

Then. there were those seven Vezina Trophies and half-dozen Stanley Cups.

In Their Own Words: Jaccques Plante

"How would you like a job where when you made a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?" —Jacques Plante

12. Jaromir Jagr, Right Wing

Experience: 24 seasons (1990-2008, 2011-18)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames

Career statistics/82: 36.2 G, 54.7 A, 90.9 PTS, 15.2 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.3

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1991, 1992)

Bottom Line: Jaromir Jagr

For all the points (1,921, second-most ever) and game-winners (135, most ever), Ross (five), Lindsay (three) and Hart (one) Trophies, Jaromir Jagr's most impressive feat may be the 134 goals he scored — in his 40s.

If the physical freak hadn’t carried a cash-strapped franchise to the 1999 Eastern Conference semifinals, we might be talkin’ about the Saskatoon Penguins right now.

Oh, and "The Mullet" owns the unofficial record for the most good-hair days in pucks history, too.

In Their Own Words: Jaromir Jagr

"You appreciate things after you lose them." —Jaromir Jagr

11. Bobby Hull, Left Wing

Experience: 15 seasons (1957-72, 1979-80)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers

Career statistics/82: 47.1 G, 43.2 A, 90.3 PTS, 22.1* +/-

Point shares/82: 10.5

Stanley Cup championship: 1 (1961)

Bottom Line: Bobby Hull

Too bad el cheapo Blackhawks owner Arthur Wirtz allowed the "Golden Jet" to bolt to the WHA, a Triple-A league that he kept in business for seven seasons. Otherwise, Bobby Hull would be several spots higher on this list.

No player possessed a more electric mix of speed and power on ice. He was the first player to surpass 50 goals in a season, and if netminders hadn’t begun to wear facemasks early in his career, he also might have been the first to obliterate one with his legendary slap shot.

In Their Own Words: Bobby Hull

"Every professional athlete owes a debt of gratitude to the fans and management, and pays an installment every time he plays. He should never miss a payment." —Bobby Hull

10. Nicklas Lidstrom, Defenseman

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Lidstrom shoots against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2007.

Experience: 20 seasons (1991-2012)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings

Career statistics/82: 10.4 G, 45.5 A, 59.9 PTS, 26.7 +/-

Point shares/82: 11.1

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008)

Bottom Line: Nicklas Lidstrom

The best two-way defenseman of the post-Bobby Orr era was as fundamentally correct as any at his position.

The seven-time Norris Trophy-winner was efficient, versatile, durable, coachable and ultimately a winner.

Really, have you ever heard anyone say a bad word about the guy?

In Their Own Words: Nicklas Lidstrom

"People will learn a lot more about our rivalry, and not only in hockey, but in other sports. Sweden and Finland will be huge." —Nicklas Lidstrom

9. Eddie Shore, Defenseman

Edie Shore — Boston Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore in 1934.

Experience: 14 seasons (1926-40)

Teams: Boston Bruins, New York Americans

Career statistics/82: 15.6 G, 26.6 A, 42.3 PTS, NA +/-

Point shares/82: 14.6

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1929, 1939)

Bottom Line: Eddie Shore

It’s kinda strange that the James Norris Trophy was named after the longtime Detroit Red Wings owner, not an elite all-around defenseman to whom it is given each year.

You know, someone like Eddie Shore, the four-time league MVP and first legit star at the position.

He could have won the award as many as nine times, which would stand as the most ever.

So let’s rename it the Shore Trophy, shall we?

In Their Own Words: Eddie Shore

"Most people of the day would skate down the side. But Eddie always went down the middle of the ice. People bounced off him like tenpins" —Milt Schmidt

8. Phil Esposito, Center

Experience: 18 seasons (1963-81)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 45.9 G, 55.8 A, 101.7 PTS, 16.1 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.5

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1970, 1972)

Bottom Line: Phil Esposito

Truth is, "Espie" doesn’t crack the top 10 on many of these lists. To which we say, why the h-e-double-hockey-sticks not?

The guy was a slot machine, a five-time scoring champion, two-time MVP and two-time Stanley Cup-winner, no? Averaged 60 goals and 71 assists in one seven-year stretch?

Also overlooked is his immense role with Team Canada in the epic 1972 Summit Series that changed the sport forever.

In Their Own Words: Phil Esposito

"I never shot a deer. I've never shot anything in my life. I never hunted. I'm just not that type of guy. But there's no doubt in my mind that I would have killed to win. That really scares me sometimes. Right now I think about it, and I get little goose bumps. I would have done anything — absolutely anything — to win. In a war, maybe that's what happens. It was our society against (Russian) society." —Phil Esposito

7. Jean Beliveau, Center

Experience: 20 seasons (1950-51, 1952-71)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics/82: 37.0 G, 51.9 A, 88.9 PTS, 12.8* +/-

Point shares/82: 10.1

Stanley Cup championships: 10 (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971)

Bottom Line: Jean Beliveau

Most players dream to have one Stanley Cup ring. Well, "Le Gros Bill "had one for each of his eight fingers and two thumbs.

Simply put, the two-time league MVP was the greatest winner with the most storied franchise in hockey history, an indispensable part of not one but two dynasties.

In Their Own Words: Jean Beliveau

Jean Beliveau, Guy Lafleur and Maurice Richard — Jean Beliveau, left, Guy Lafleur, center, and Maurice Richard.

"Talent is a gift from God, but you can only succeed with hard work." —Jean Beliveau

6. Maurice Richard, Right Wing

Experience: 18 seasons (1942-60)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Career statistics/82: 45.6 G, 35.4 A, 81.0 PTS, 28.9* +/-

Point shares/82: 10.5

Stanley Cup championships: 8 (1944, 1946, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960)

Bottom Line: Maurice Richard

The "Rocket" didn’t lug around just opponents on his back. The Montreal native also carried the Quebec province, not to mention eight Stanley Cups.

When the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games was suspended for the entire 1955 postseason, fans threatened to burn Montreal to the ground. And when he died, an entire nation mourned for days.

Name another player who had this kind of stranglehold on a franchise, a city and a league. You can’t. Because there wasn’t one.

In Their Own Words: Maurice Richard

"Because I always try so hard to win and had my troubles in Boston, I was suspended. At playoff time, it hurts not to be in the game with the boys. However, I want to do what is good for the people of Montreal and the team. So that no further harm will be done, I would like to ask everyone to get behind the team and to help the boys win from the Rangers and Detroit. I will take my punishment and come back next year to help the club and younger players to win the cup." —Maurice Richard

5. Sidney Crosby, Center

Experience: 14 seasons (2005-present)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins

Career statistics/82: 38.8 G, 67.0 A, 105.7 PTS, 15.9 +/-

Point shares/82: 13.0

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (2009, 2016, 2017)

Bottom Line: Sidney Crosby

Hard to believe that Sid’s not "The Kid" anymore, isn’t it?

Now he’s merely the best 200-foot player in pucks history, a once-in-a-generation mix of skill, smarts, selflessness, will and physicality.

What’s more, the GOTM (Greatest Of The Millennium) has dominated at all levels when the worldwide talent pool has never been deeper.

In Their Own Words: Sidney Crosby

"The biggest thing for me is the passion that I've always had for hockey. I remember growing up, no matter what I did in life, my parents always told me to try to do my best at it and be my best. I can say going through different things that passion is the most important part. It's not skills or talent or any of that stuff." —Sidney Crosby

4. Gordie Howe, Right Wing

Experience: 26 seasons (1946-71, 1979-80)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers

Career statistics/82: 37.2 G, 48.7 A, 85.9 PTS, 14.2 +/-

Point shares/82: 10.1

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955)

Bottom Line: Gordie Howe

We all know about his absurd longevity — he scored 15 goals in his farewell season. At 51 years of age.

We tend to forget that he was the first dominant power forward, a force of nature who could score in traffic as well as he could plant an elbow into a face.

As massive as his career numbers may be, they don’t do him justice entirely. In his prime, Gordie Howe was the league points leader five times in a span of seven seasons.

There was only one "Mr. Hockey," and there will never be another like him.

In Their Own Words: Gordie Howe

"You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave ... win or lose." —Gordie Howe

3. Mario Lemieux, Center

Experience: 17 seasons (1984-97, 2000--6)

Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Career statistics/82: 37.2 G, 48.7 A, 85.9 PTS, 14.2 +/-

Point shares/82: 15.0

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1991, 1992)

Bottom Line: Mario Lemieux

The hockey gods broke the mold when they combined his 6-foot-4 size and off-the-charts talent level. What they didn’t give "Super Mario" was longevity.

Who knows what his numbers would look like if everything from a bum back to Hodgkin’s disease hadn’t forced him to sit out nearly 500 games?

But let’s not dwell on what might have been. Let’s celebrate all those ridiculous highlights and miraculous comebacks that he gave us all those years.

In Their Own Words: Mario Lemieux

"One thing I hate is people screaming at me. If you want me to do something, talk to me. When someone screams at me to hurry up, I slow down." —Mario Lemieux

2. Wayne Gretzky, Center

Experience: 20 seasons (1979-99)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers

Career statistics/82: 49.3 G, 108.2 A, 157.5 PTS, 28.7 +/-

Point shares/82: 13.8

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988)

Bottom Line: Wayne Gretzky

"The Great One" was Barry Bonds without the steroids, a hockey prodigy who made a joke of the record book in the live puck era.

We could bore you with the details, but there’s not enough space here.

So here’s our favorite: If the nine-time league MVP hadn’t scored one stinkin’ goal, he still would be the all-time points leader on his 1,963 assists alone.

Gretzky played chess. Everyone else played Chutes and Ladders.

In Their Own Words: Wayne Gretzky

"I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been." —Wayne Gretzky

1. Bobby Orr, Defenseman

Experience: 12 seasons (1966-79)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks

Career statistics/82: 33.7 G, 80.5 A, 114.2 PTs, 72.6 +/-

Point shares/82: 18.8

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1970, 1972)

Bottom Line: Bobby Orr

Four reasons why No. 4 is No. 1 — and it’s not close, really.

The eight-time Norris and three-time Hart Trophy-winner didn’t just revolutionize the game. As the first defenseman to trigger the offense — sacre bleu! — he took it by the collar and dragged it out of the Dark Ages. The game became quicker, faster and more creative because of him, not to mention a whole lot more fun to watch.
No player was more dominant at his position. His career 1.39 points per game are a full 28 percent more than Paul Coffey, who's next in line. What about Wayne Gretzky, you ask? His 1.92 points per game are a scant 5 percent better than Mario Lemieux, who ranks second.
No player was more valuable to his team, as evidenced by his crazy plus-0.89 rating per game. Runner-up Larry Robinson checked in at plus-0.52. Any misguided soul who thinks of the guy as a one-trick pony obviously didn’t see him play 30-plus minutes per game, hand out a check, block a shot or drop his gloves.
His 1970 Stanley Cup Final game winner remains one of the epic moments in pro sports, not to mention the coolest hockey photo of all time. All he needed was the Superman cape.

Any questions, girls and boys?

In Their Own Words: Bobby Orr

"Growing up, if I hadn't had sports, I don't know where I'd be. God only knows what street corners I'd have been standing on, and God only knows what I'd have been doing, but instead, I played hockey and went to school and stayed out of trouble." —Bobby Orr